Biological Information Measuring Device Dynamic Light Power Adjustment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing biological information measuring devices face challenges in accurately measuring cerebral blood flow and other biological parameters when the subject's head moves, as they require a stable distance between the light source and the test portion to maintain signal strength and accuracy, leading to discomfort and reduced measurement quality.

Innovation Solution

A biological information measuring device that adjusts the power of the irradiation light based on the detected distance between the light source and the test portion, using a control circuit to increase power as the distance increases, and includes an image sensor to monitor movement and adjust settings accordingly, ensuring continuous and accurate measurement even when the subject moves.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the distance between the light source and the test portion is increased to reduce subject restraint, then subject comfort is improved, but the signal strength decreases and measurement accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesubject comfortVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically changes the light source power parameter based on the detected distance between the light source and test portion. When distance increases, the light source power is increased to compensate for signal attenuation, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy while allowing greater subject movement freedom

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the distance detection unit continuously monitors the distance between light source and test portion, and this information is fed back to the control unit which adjusts the light source power accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures measurement accuracy is maintained despite distance variations caused by subject movement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If the distance between the light source and the test portion is kept stable to maintain signal strength, then measurement accuracy is improved, but subject movement is restricted causing discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal strengthVSAvoidsubject comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a static distance arrangement to a dynamic system where the light source power is continuously adjusted based on real-time distance measurements. This allows the system to adapt to subject movement while maintaining adequate signal strength for accurate measurement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The light source power parameter is dynamically changed in response to distance variations. When the subject moves and distance increases, the system increases light source power to maintain signal strength, thereby allowing subject movement without compromising measurement quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If the light source power is increased to compensate for increased distance, then signal strength is maintained, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal strengthVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial action by increasing light source power only when and to the extent necessary to compensate for distance-induced signal attenuation. The control unit calculates the required power adjustment based on the detected distance, avoiding excessive energy consumption while maintaining adequate signal strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables continuous, high-accuracy measurement of biological information such as cerebral blood flow without restraining the subject, improving signal quality and comfort by dynamically adjusting light power and position in response to movement.

Implementation Method 1

a light source that, in operation, emits irradiation light for irradiating a test portion of a subject

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Implementation Method 2

a light detector that, in operation, detects light from the subject and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric detection: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

a control circuit that, in operation, determines a power of the irradiation light emitted by the light source, and that, in operation, measures biological information related to a blood flow at the test portion based on the electrical signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical signal processing:

Data Source

PatentUS10799129B2Biological information measuring device including light source, light detector, and control circuit
Publication Date: 2020.10.13 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • US10799129B2 patent drawing
  • US10799129B2 patent drawing
  • US10799129B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A biological information measuring device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes: a light source that, in operation, emits irradiation light for irradiating a test portion of a subject; a light detector that, in operation, detects light from the subject and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the light; and a control circuit that, in operation, determines a power of the irradiation light emitted by the light source, and that, in operation, measures biological information related to a blood flow at the test portion based on the electrical signal. The control circuit, in operation, detects a distance between the light source and the test portion based on the electrical signal, and determines the power of the irradiation light such that the power of the irradiation light is increased as the distance increases.